Hot Tub!

Wall-E, leveling ground for hot tub platform

As always, we've kept busy with several projects going on in unison.  Tanner has been assembling our plumbing and pipes that will lie within the walls of our house, with the help of a very talented plumber friend, Mark.  While I know that this step is very important, I haven't gotten around to taking many pictures of the plumbing.  Maybe the pipes don't inspire me... no offense to the hard working men.  Pictures to come soon!

In the meantime, our hot tub has arrived!

Tanner and I have talked for close to a year, about needing a hot tub, where to place it, and how awesome it is going to be.  We had grand hopes of getting one before winter last year, but our deadlines were far too chaotic to allow for the distraction of a hot tub.  I might also inform you, that when I say hot tub, I am referring to a Snorkel hot tub, which is warmed by a wood-burning stove.  We have a friend who inspired us to get one, and it's been our dream since.  

Earlier this year, as we were planning the years projected progress, we talked about the fact that it won't be likely that we will be in the house before winter.  This was news that wasn't incredibly disappointing, as the yurt has turned out to be the coziest and most economical options we could've hoped for.  In order to soften this blow, Tanner offered to me that we purchase our kitchen cook stove for the house in advance for use in the yurt in the meantime, as to ease my work in our primitive yurt kitchen.  He also, wisely, offered the alternative of getting the hot tub instead.  Luckily for him, I am happy to rough-it in my yurt kitchen for the next year, in exchange for some relaxing hot tub time post-work or ski.  Merry Christmas to us!!

Tanner, measuring the hole for the hot tub

Prepping the base

Floor of the hot tub with the wood burner

The concept of the wood burning hot tub is to have the stove in the water to heat it.  The tub is made of cedar, in a barrel shape, and with an insulated lid, the water will stay relatively warm when not in use.  The stove is aluminum, which will heat most efficiently to raise water temperatures quickly, and is said to heat water at 30*F per hour.  We purchased our hot tub from Snorkel, out of Seattle, and our hot tub came as a kit, ready to assemble.

We chose the wood-fired hot tub, not only for its novelty, but because it is quite peaceful.  Being in the forest, we will be able to enjoy starry nights and, with minimal noise, a wild critter or two.

The kit came with all of the tools needed to construct the hot tub.  Including a rubber mallet, screwdriver, and hardware for all aspects of the tub.  Each piece of wood was cut specifically for the tub, making assembly a breeze.

Tanner, fitting side panels, called staves, onto the floor

The boys are always such great help!

Getting the kinks out, Moose and Chilko drink water from the leaks

Once the tub was together, we filled it with water, and built a fire.  The cedar needs time to swell and fit together nicely to keep it water tight.  Heating the water helped immensely, but the process requires patience, as one could easily become disheartened at all of the water leaking out of it on the first go around!

Snorkel duck loves his new home

After testing out the new hot tub, we are excited for snowy nights after long days of skiing.  Evenings in March should show us beautiful alpineglow off of the mountains down the valley.  I know Tanner is looking forward to a near-nightly soak after all of his hard work on our house.  The hot tub is a fabulous addition to our dream home & property!